RATES relief measures for small businesses have been welcomed by Roger Mullin MP, who has noted the positive impact this will have on small business owners across the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency.

And he has had good responses from business people in Cowdenbeath.

Commenting on the new business rates announced by the Scottish Government in February, Roger Mullin said: “The new package of support for business rates announced by the Scottish Government will have an enormous impact on small businesses in my constituency both in the Kirkcaldy area and in Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly, with a significant number being granted 100% relief, and therefore not liable to pay business rates in 2017/18.

“In the current economic climate, many small businesses are struggling to pay rates on a reduced income; however, under the new package of support 70% of businesses in Scotland will pay the same or less next year than they currently do, or, in most cases, will pay nothing at all.

"In my constituency, at least 77% of businesses have benefitted from the new relief schemes, with either a deduction of their bill in cash terms, or no change in their bill as a result of the Business Rates revaluation.

“I hope that the announcement on business rates relief will reassure small business owners that the Scottish Government are on their side.”

A number of traders have indicated that the new package of support for business rates will have a positive effect on their businesses. Jim Paterson of Kassy’s Kitchen in Cowdenbeath stated: “We are over the moon. Very, very pleased. This helps small businesses like ours a lot.”

Parveen Thomas of Keystore in Lumphinnans commented:

“I’m very pleased with the rates reduction. It is very good news.”

Concerns were raised, however, regarding the lack of dialogue during the rates assessment process. Some traders, while delighted at a reduction in their business rates, were unsure as to why their rates had been reduced.

Mark Jones of KDM Shopfitting in Dalgety Bay said “Of course we are very happy, but we would like to know why our rates were reduced”

The new national relief scheme will also cap business rates rises for hospitality businesses at 12.5%, further improving the best package of support for small businesses in the UK.

As a result of the rates revaluation, undertaken by independent assessors, hotels faced increases significantly higher than other sectors; however, hotels, pubs, cafés and restaurants will now see their rises capped.